Do you remember what your reaction and the crowd's reaction was after Mr. Kirkland's incredible opening statement? I first saw the film on HBO, and I was blown away, totally blown away. I was screaming and cheering with such a feeling of passion and intensity. I was like "WOW!!!"
A true classic that withstands the test of time!
Joe
I didn't but I just saw it yesterday and I know the felling! ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES OF ALL TIME (AND MOSTLY BECAUSE OF THAT OPENING STATEMENT!!!)
shareSame here. One of my favorites, just because of his opening statement. But, yea, did anyone see it in the theater??
NO, YOU IS DEFINITELY SUCK!
See? I can type like a moron, too.
Saw it at The Ziegfied. My first thoughts at the end of the movie were about getting a video tape copy of the movie.
Short Cut, Draw Blood
man i WISH i did!
Accentuate the negative
Three films I can recall that got great reactions
This one
The end of "Demetrius and the Gladiators" when you know who gets hit.
The scene in "The Dirty Doz" when Donald Sutherland saids "I rather be a civian"
True this was in the army movie house full of draftees
[deleted]
I saw it in the theatre. Yes, clapping and hooting were in abundance. Great performance by a great actor!
shareI saw it in the theater in 1979. I was a college student at the time, and was appalled by the portrayal of the corruption of the justice system. I remember the theater erupting in shrieks and applause when Pacino went off in that final scene! It was great. I had been toying with the idea of law school, and it definitely scared me off that idea!
shareFunny, like producerbonnie1, I saw it when I was 13 in the theater. I had always dreamed of being a lawyer, but, this movie made me want to be a criminal defense lawyer. And, I did become a criminal defense lawyer (and when I first started, a lot of people used to jokingly call me "Arthur Kirkland"). I thought Arthur's belief in justice (even if the system was broke) and willingness to fight for his client no matter what the consequences, was something to aspire to. In the theater, there was clapping and hollering after his speech.
shareI saw it in a theater on opening weekend in fall 1979. I was a 16-year-old high school student, a film enthusiast with dreams of becoming a film actor. The movie had a huge impact on me. It was my favorite film performance for many years and used to imitate it in the mirror. "THAT MAN, THE HONORABLE JUDGE...."
The film got the reaction that you would imagine. People were stunned by the impact of the movie's climax. People cheered and clapped. My 16-year-old arms got goosebumps, and you could feel the energy in the theater and in the lobby afterward. Everyone felt like they had just seen something special, and they were right.
It was October 1979, I believe, and this is almost exactly 30 years ago. How does the film hold up? Is it a great film?
In my opinion, the excellent writers and the great Norman Jewison were hoping to produce a satiric comedy with a very serious message, similar to "M*A*S*H" or "Network".
I don't think "...And Justice for All" is a GREAT movie, not when compared to a truly great film such as "Network". The problem with "..AJfA" is that there are some terrific scenes, and some scenes that don't quite work, it's a sum of its parts problem that keeps "...AJfA" from being in a class with Lumet and Chayefky's "Network".
However, to many people, including me, "...AJfA" is a classic of sorts.
Pacino's performance is polarizing to critics. For reasons that are pretty obvious - some find it to be Al at his over-the-top, scenery-chewing worst, and others think it ranks among his great performances. I, personally, rank it among his best. To me, the role would not have been well-served by a more subtle and nuanced approach. Like Peter Finch in "Network," I think this part required all the brooding intensity that Pacino could, and did, deliver in the role.
I do think the quality of the film is erratic. It's been years since I have watched it, but now think I'll give it a 30th Anniversary screening. Actually, the film should play in harmony with the political and cultural mood of America in fall 2009.
Three other comments. I had forgotten that Craig T. Nelson was in the movie. It's the first time I remember seeing Jeffrey Tambor in a movie. Same with Christine Lahti. It was great to see Pacino work with Lee Strasberg again.
I just saw this movie today for the first time and I was really very impressed and I wondered why I haven't heard of it before.
BTW I think it's funny that you ask that question. This movie came out 30 years ago, do you really think people would remember how the audience reacted? I have seen a lot of movies I liked at the movies and no way I could remember audiences' reaction no matter how much I liked the movie! Not if it was 30 years ago!!!
This movie came out 30 years ago, do you really think people would remember how the audience reacted?
I worked as an usher at a twin cinema in Frederick Maryland when it opened. I was glad to have seen it the night before (a private sneek-peek for theater employees) and the nine of us were cheering at the end!
I recall the first thee weekends (7&9:30 shows were sell outs)the audiance went wild during 'The Opening Statement'. One woman was out of control, running up and down the ilse cheering and the like! The very last line got a big laugh followed by a standing ovation!
Andrew Roberts
Sometimes Andrew Roberts voice speakin'
can be worse than a good night o' drinkin'
That Opening Statement and its emotional impact is one of the greatest scenes EVER put on film!!!!!
Joe
"BTW I think it's funny that you ask that question. This movie came out 30 years ago, do you really think people would remember how the audience reacted? I have seen a lot of movies I liked at the movies and no way I could remember audiences' reaction no matter how much I liked the movie! Not if it was 30 years ago!!!"
A movie getting that kind of reaction is definitely something you'd remember. Can't see why you have a hard time believing that.
F'ing sh!t up since 2008! http://www.willferrellfanforum.tk/
In response to "Do you think people would remember how the audience reacted?" My feeling is, ABSOLUTELY! This film is that good and will stay with me for the rest of my life!
Joe
This is one of my favorite movies. I was 19 when this came out. Yes, I do remember the reaction of the audience. Everyone cheered. It was the first time I saw that happen. It may have happened 30 years ago but I remember it well.
shareThis is one of 3 movies I found myself applauding.
The other 2 are:
-Gone With The Wind, with Vivien Leigh's line, "As God as my witness, I will never go hungry again!"
-Terms Of Endearment, with Shirley MacLaine shouting at the nurses in regards to her daughter, "Give her the shot!"